Derek Sherinian was the keyboard player with Alice's live band between '89 and '94 as well as the 1995 South American Monsters Of Rock. He also performed with Alice at the New Year shows in both 1996 and 1997. After Paul Taylor left the band early on the US 1998 Rock And Roll Carnival tour, Derek stepped in during a break in Dream Theater Touring.

Derek attended the Berkeley School Of Music with Al Pitrelli (who recommended him to Alice) before working with Alice and Kiss (on the Revenge tour on the recommendation of Eric Singer). Until recently he was a member of Dream Theater and now fronts his own band Planet X, plays with "supergroup" Black Country Communion, and also records his own solo albums.

"Derek Sherinian will be at least one chapter in my book when I write my autobiography. He is arrogance personified. He is the Caligula of the keyboards. He is the pompous king of pop. He was born with the rock star charisma. Reeking of self-esteem, he walked into our first rehearsal for the "Trash" tour and flawlessly auditioned by playing every classic Bob Ezrin keyboard part to the note. Ten years later and thousands of exchanged poker chips later, the two of us have probably broken even. He is the only one to survive the wrath of the Alice Cooper Tour Poker Marathon. Derek is always on time, in tune, and ready to play...music too."
Alice Cooper

Alice on Derek from From Keyboard Magazine, January 1998:

What was it about Derek that made you want to hire him?

Alice: There are a few people in this world who were born rock stars,and he is one. He came out of the womb with his boots on. Derek understands pompous.

And his pomposity didn't rub you the wrong way?

Alice: No, not at all. I look for that in people. He understands how to be pompous at the right time. That's what real rock stars have got to learn: when to be pompous. He knew exactly how to stick his nose up when I'd introduce him. He was the Emperor Caligula of rock. But we didn't expect him to have the charisma he had. Especially offstage. He's a lot of fun,and a good poker player.

What about his keyboard abilities?

Alice: Derek's great. He's an asset to any band he's in. I mean,the thing about him is that he can play anything.

Whats your favorite memory of Derek from past tours?

Alice: He once pulled four twos on the bullet train from Japan, and won a huge poker pot. I'll always remember that day..... him jumping up on the very conservative bullet train, screaming that he'd pulled four twos, which is an awfully good hand in poker.

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